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Cricket

Baneshwor

You have to know this

The Toss is the toss for choice of innings.

Before the toss is at any time before the toss on the day the match is expected to start or, in the case of a one day match, on the day that match is due to take place.

Before the match is at any time before the toss, not restricted to the day on which the toss is to take place.

During the match is at any time after the toss until the conclusion of the match, whether play is in progress or not.

Implements of the game are the bat, the ball, the stumps and bails.

The field of play is the area contained within the boundary edge.

The square is a specially prepared area of the field of play within which the match pitch is situated.

Inside edge is the edge on the same side as the nearer wicket.

Behind in relation to stumps and creases, is on the side further from the stumps and creases at the other end of the pitch. Conversely, in front of is on the side nearer to the stumps and creases at the other end of the pitch.

A batsman's ground - at each end of the pitch, the whole area of the field of play behind the popping crease is the ground at that end for a batsman.

In front of the line of the striker's wicket is in the area of the field of play in front of the imaginary line joining the fronts of the stumps at one end; this line to be considered extended in both directions to the boundary.

Behind the wicket is in the area of the field of play behind the imaginary line joining the backs of the stumps at one end; this line to be considered extended in both directions to the boundary.

Behind the wicket-keeper is behind the wicket at the striker's end, as defined above, but in line with both sets of stumps, and further from the stumps than the wicket-keeper.

Off side/on side

No ball

1. Mode of delivery
(a) The umpire shall ascertain whether the bowler intends to bowl right handed or left handed, over or round the wicket, and shall so inform the striker.
It is unfair if the bowler fails to notify the umpire of a change in his mode of delivery. In this case, the umpire shall call and signal No ball.
(b) Underarm bowling shall not be permitted except by special agreement before the match.

2. Fair delivery – the arm
For a delivery to be fair in respect of the arm the ball must not be thrown. See 3 below.
Although it is the primary responsibility of the striker's end umpire to ensure the fairness of a delivery in this respect, there is nothing in this Law to debar the bowler's end umpire from calling and signalling No ball if he considers that the ball has been thrown.
(a) If, in the opinion of either umpire, the ball has been thrown, he shall
(i) call and signal No ball.
(ii) caution the bowler, when the ball is dead. This caution shall apply throughout the innings.
(iii) inform the other umpire, the batsmen at the wicket, the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.
(b) If either umpire considers that after such caution, a further delivery by the same bowler in that innings is thrown, the umpire concerned shall repeat the procedure set out in (a) above, indicating to the bowler that this is a final warning. This warning shall also apply throughout the innings.
(c) If either umpire considers that a further delivery by the same bowler in that innings is thrown,
(i) the umpire concerned shall call and signal No ball. When the ball is dead he shall inform the other umpire, the batsmen at the wicket and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.
(ii) the umpire at the bowler's end shall direct the captain of the fielding side to take the bowler off forthwith. The over shall be completed by another bowler, who shall neither have bowled the previous over nor be allowed to bowl the next over.
The bowler thus taken off shall not bowl again in that innings.
(iii) the umpires together shall report the occurrence as soon as possible to the Executive of the fielding side and any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and bowler concerned.

3. Definition of fair delivery – the arm
A ball is fairly delivered in respect of the arm if, once the bowler's arm has reached the level of the shoulder in the delivery swing, the elbow joint is not straightened partially or completely from that point until the ball has left the hand. This definition shall not debar a bowler from flexing or rotating the wrist in the delivery swing.

4. Bowler throwing towards striker's end before delivery
If the bowler throws the ball towards the striker's end before entering his delivery stride, either umpire shall call and signal No ball. See Law 42.16 (Batsmen stealing a run). However, the procedure stated in 2 above of caution, informing, final warning, action against the bowler and reporting shall not apply.

5. Fair delivery – the feet
For a delivery to be fair in respect of the feet, in the delivery stride
(i) the bowler's back foot must land within and not touching the return crease.
(ii) the bowler's front foot must land with some part of the foot, whether grounded or raised, behind the popping crease.
If the umpire at the bowler's end is not satisfied that both these conditions have been met, he shall call and signal No ball.

6. Ball bouncing more than twice or rolling along the ground
The umpire at the bowler's end shall call and signal No ball if a ball which he considers to have been delivered, without having previously touched the bat or person of the striker,
either (i) bounces more than twice
or (ii) rolls along the ground
before it reaches the popping crease.

7. Ball coming to rest in front of striker's wicket
If a ball delivered by the bowler comes to rest in front of the line of the striker's wicket, without having touched the bat or person of the striker, the umpire shall call and signal No ball and immediately call and signal Dead ball.

8. Call of No ball for infringement of other Laws
In addition to the instances above, an umpire shall call and signal No ball as required by the following Laws.
Law 40.3 - Position of wicket-keeper
Law 41.5 - Limitation of on side fielders
Law 41.6 - Fielders not to encroach on the pitch
Law 42.6 - Dangerous and unfair bowling
Law 42.7 - Dangerous and unfair bowling – action by the umpire
Law 42.8 - Deliberate bowling of high full pitched balls.

9. Revoking a call of No ball
An umpire shall revoke the call of No ball if the ball does not leave the bowler's hand for any reason.

10. No ball to over-ride Wide
A call of No ball shall over-ride the call of Wide ball at any time. See Law 25.1 (Judging a Wide) and 25.3 (Call and signal of Wide ball).

11. Ball not dead
The ball does not become dead on the call of No ball.

12. Penalty for a No ball
A penalty of one run shall be awarded instantly on the call of No ball. Unless the call is revoked this penalty shall stand even if a batsman is dismissed. It shall be in addition to any other runs scored, any boundary allowance and any other penalties awarded.
13. Runs resulting from a No ball – how scored
The one run penalty for a No ball shall be scored as a No ball extra. If other penalty runs have been awarded to either side, these shall be scored as in Law 42.17 (Penalty runs). Any runs completed by the batsmen or a boundary allowance shall be credited to the striker if the ball has been struck by the bat; otherwise they also shall be scored as No ball extras.
Apart from any award of a 5 run penalty, all runs resulting from a No ball, whether as No ball extras or credited to the striker, shall be debited against the bowler.

14. No ball not to count
A No ball shall not count as one of the over. See Law 22.4 (Balls not to count in the over).

15. Out from a No ball
When No ball has been called, neither batsman shall be out under any of the Laws except Law 33 (Handled the ball), Law 34 (Hit the ball twice), Law 37 (Obstructing the field) or Law 38 (Run out).

Laws of Cricket

The game of Cricket has been governed by a series of Codes of Law for over 250 years. These Codes have been subject to additions and alterations recommended by the governing authorities of the time. Since its formation in 1787, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has been recognised as the sole authority for drawing up the Code and for all subsequent amendments. The Club also holds the World copyright. The basic Laws of Cricket have stood remarkably well the test of well over 250 years of playing the game. It is thought the real reason for this is that cricketers have traditionally been prepared to play in the Spirit of the Game as well as in accordance with the Laws.
Out
Bowled	The striker is out Bowled if his wicket is put down by a ball delivered by the bowler, not being a No ball, even if it first touches his bat or person.
Caught	The striker is out Caught if a ball delivered by the bowler, not being a No ball, touches his bat without having previously been in contact with any member of the fielding side and is subsequently held by a fielder as a fair catch before it touches the ground.
LBW	The striker is out LBW in the circumstances set out below. (a) The bowler delivers a ball, not being a No ball and (b) the ball, if it is not intercepted full pitch, pitches in line between wicket and wicket or on the off side of the striker's wicket and (c) the ball not having previously touched his bat, the striker intercepts the ball, either full-pitch or after pitching, with any part of his person and (d) the point of impact, even if above the level of the bails either (i) is between wicket and wicket or (ii) is either between wicket and wicket or outside the line of the off stump if the striker has made no genuine attempt to play the ball with his bat and (e) but for the interception, the ball would have hit the wicket.
Stumped	The striker is out Stumped if (i) he is out of his ground and (ii) he is receiving a ball which is not a No ball and (iii) he is not attempting a run and (iv) his wicket is put down by the wicket-keeper without the intervention of another member of the fielding side. Note Law 40.3 (Position of wicket-keeper). (b) The striker is out Stumped if all the conditions of (a) above are satisfied, even though a decision of Run out would be justified.
Run out	(a) Either batsman is out Run out, except as in 2 below, if at any time while the ball is in play (i) he is out of his ground and (ii) his wicket is fairly put down by the opposing side. (b) (a) above shall apply even though No ball has been called and whether or not a run is being attempted, except in the circumstances of Law 39.3(a) (Not out Stumped).
Hit wicket	The striker is out Hit wicket if, while the ball is in play, his wicket is put down either by the striker's bat or person as described in Law 28.1(a)(ii) and (iii) (Wicket put down) either (i) in the course of any action taken by him in preparing to receive or in receiving a delivery,or (ii) in setting off for his first run immediately after playing, or playing at, the ball, or (iii) if he makes no attempt to play the ball, in setting off for his first run, providing that in the opinion of the umpire this is immediately after he has had the opportunity of playing the ball, or (iv) in lawfully making a second or further stroke for the purpose of guarding his wicket within the provisions of Law 34.3 (Ball lawfully struck more than once).
Out Hit the ball twice.	(a) The striker is out Hit the ball twice if, while the ball is in play, it strikes any part of his person or is struck by his bat and before the ball has been touched by a fielder, he wilfully strikes it again with his bat or person, other than a hand not holding the bat, except for the sole purpose of guarding his wicket. See 3 below and Law 33 (Handled the ball) and Law 37 (Obstructing the field). (b) For the purpose of this Law, 'struck' or 'strike' shall include contact with the person of the striker.
Out Handled the ball	Either batsman is out Handled the ball if he wilfully touches the ball while in play with a hand or hands not holding the bat unless he does so with the consent of the opposing side.
Out Timed out	(a) Unless Time has been called, the incoming batsman must be in position to take guard or for his partner to be ready to receive the next ball within 3 minutes of the fall of the previous wicket. If this requirement is not met, the incoming batsman will be out, Timed out. (b) In the event of protracted delay in which no batsman comes to the wicket, the umpires shall adopt the procedure of Law 21.3 (Umpires awarding a match). For the purposes of that Law the start of the action shall be taken as the expiry of the 3 minutes referred to above.
Out Obstructing the field.	Either batsman is out Obstructing the field if he wilfully obstructs or distracts the opposing side by word or action. It shall be regarded as obstruction if either batsman wilfully, and without the consent of the fielding side, strikes the ball with his bat or person, other than a hand not holding the bat, after the ball has touched a fielder. See 4 below.
Basic Rules
The Ball 1. Weight and size The ball, when new, shall weigh not less than 51/2 ounces/155.9g, nor more than 53/4 ounces/163g, and shall measure not less than 8 13/16 in/22.4cm, nor more than 9 in/22.9cm in circumference. 2. Approval and control of balls (a) All balls to be used in the match, having been approved by the umpires and captains, shall be in the possession of the umpires before the toss and shall remain under their control throughout the match. (b) The umpire shall take possession of the ball in use at the fall of each wicket, at the start of any interval and at any interruption of play. 3. New ball Unless an agreement to the contrary has been made before the match, either captain may demand a new ball at the start of each innings. 4. New ball in match of more than one day's duration In a match of more than one day's duration, the captain of the fielding side may demand a new ball after the prescribed number of overs has been bowled with the old one. The Governing Body for cricket in the country concerned shall decide the number of overs applicable in that country, which shall not be less than 75 overs. The umpires shall indicate to the batsmen and the scorers whenever a new ball is taken into play. 5. Ball lost or becoming unfit for play If, during play, the ball cannot be found or recovered or the umpires agree that it has become unfit for play through normal use, the umpires shall replace it with a ball which has had wear comparable with that which the previous ball had received before the need for its replacement. When the ball is replaced the umpires shall inform the batsmen and the fielding captain. 6. Specifications The specifications as described in 1 above shall apply to men's cricket only. The following specifications will apply to (i) Women's cricket Weight: from 4 15/16 ounces/140g to 5 5/16 ounces /151g Circumference: from 81/4 in/21.0cm to 8 7/8 in/22.5cm (ii) Junior cricket – under 13 Weight: from 4 11/16 ounces/133g to 5 1/16 ounces/144g Circumference: from 8 1/16 in/20.5cm to 8 11/16 in/22.0cm
The Bat 1. Width and length The bat overall shall not be more than 38 inches/96.5cm in length. The blade of the bat shall be made solely of wood and shall not exceed 4 1/4 inches/10.8cm at the widest part. 2. Covering the blade The blade may be covered with material for protection, strengthening or repair. Such material shall not exceed 1/16 inches/1.56mm in thickness, and shall not be likely to cause unacceptable damage to the ball. 3. Hand or glove to count as part of bat In these Laws (a) reference to the bat shall imply that the bat is held by the batsman. (b) contact between the ball and either (i) the striker's bat itself or (ii) the striker's hand holding the bat or (iii) any part of a glove worn on the striker's hand holding the bat shall be regarded as the ball striking or touching the bat, or being struck by the bat.
The Pitch 1. Area of pitch The pitch is a rectangular area of the ground 22 yards/20.12m in length and 10ft/3.05m in width. It is bounded at either end by the bowling creases and on either side by imaginary lines, one each side of the imaginary line joining the centres of the two middle stumps, each parallel to it and 5ft/1.52m from it. See Law 8.1 (Width and pitching) and Law 9.2 (The bowling crease). 2. Fitness of the pitch for play The umpires shall be the final judges of the fitness of the pitch for play. See Laws 3.8 (Fitness of ground, weather and light) and 3.9 (Suspension of play for adverse conditions of ground, weather or light). 3. Selection and preparation Before the match, the Ground Authority shall be responsible for the selection and preparation of the pitch. During the match, the umpires shall control its use and maintenance. 4. Changing the pitch The pitch shall not be changed during the match unless the umpires decide that it is unreasonable or dangerous for play to continue on it and then only with the consent of both captains. 5. Non-turf pitches In the event of a non-turf pitch being used, the artificial surface shall conform to the following measurements: Length - a minimum of 58ft/17.68m Width - a minimum of 6ft/1.83m See Law 10.8 (Non-turf pitches.)
The Wickets 1. Width and pitching Two sets of wickets shall be pitched opposite and parallel to each other at a distance of 22 yards/20.12m between the centres of the two middle stumps. Each set shall be 9 in/22.86cm wide and shall consist of three wooden stumps with two wooden bails on top. See Appendix A. 2. Size of stumps The tops of the stumps shall be 28 inches/71.1cm above the playing surface and shall be dome shaped except for the bail grooves. The portion of a stump above the playing surface shall be cylindrical, apart from the domed top, with circular section of diameter not less than 1 3/8 in/3.49cm nor more than 11/2 in/3.81cm See Appendix A. 3. The bails (a) The bails, when in position on the top of the stumps, (i) shall not project more than 1/2 in/1.27cm above them. (ii) shall fit between the stumps without forcing them out of the vertical. (b) Each bail shall conform to the following specifications. See Appendix A. Overall length: - 4 5/16 in/10.95cm Length of barrel: - 2 1/8 in/5.40cm Longer spigot: - 1 3/8 in/3.49cm Shorter spigot: - 13/16 in/2.06cm 4. Junior cricket In junior cricket, the same definitions of the wickets shall apply subject to following measurements being used. Width: - 8 in/20.32cm Pitched for under 13: - 21 yards/19.20m Pitched for under 11: - 20 yards/18.29m Pitched for under 9: - 18 yards/16.46m Height above playing surface: - 27 in/68.58cm Each stump Diameter: - not less than 1 1/4 in/3.18cm nor more than 1 3/8 in/3.49cm Each bail Overall: - 3 13/16 in/9.68cm Barrel: - 1 13/16 in/4.60cm Longer Spigot: - 1 1/4 in/3.18cm Shorter Spigot: - 3/4 in/1.91cm 5. Dispensing with bails The umpires may agree to dispense with the use of bails, if necessary. If they so agree then no bails shall be used at either end. The use of bails shall be resumed as soon as conditions permit. See Law 28.4 (Dispensing with bails).
Bowling, Popping and Return Creases 1. The creases A bowling crease, a popping crease and two return creases shall be marked in white, as set out in 2, 3 and 4 below, at each end of the pitch. See Appendix B. 2. The bowling crease The bowling crease, which is the back edge of the crease marking, shall be the line through the centres of the three stumps at that end. It shall be 8ft 8 in/2.64m in length, with the stumps in the centre. 3. The popping crease The popping crease, which is the back edge of the crease marking, shall be in front of and parallel to the bowling crease and shall be 4ft/1.22m from it. The popping crease shall be marked to a minimum of 6ft/1.83m on either side of the imaginary line joining the centres of the middle stumps and shall be considered to be unlimited in length. 4. The return creases The return creases, which are the inside edges of the crease markings, shall be at right angles to the popping crease at a distance of 4ft 4 in/1.32m either side of the imaginary line joining the centres of the two middle stumps. Each return crease shall be marked from the popping crease to a minimum of 8ft/2.44m behind it and shall be considered to be unlimited in length.

Laws of Cricket

MCC revised and re-wrote the Laws for the new Millennium. The major innovation in the 2000 Code is the introduction of the Spirit of Cricket as a Preface to the Laws.

1. Number of players
A match is played between two sides, each of eleven players, one of whom shall be captain.
By agreement a match may be played between sides of more or less than eleven players, but not more than eleven players may field at any time.

2. Nomination of players
Each captain shall nominate his players in writing to one of the umpires before the toss. No player may be changed after the nomination without the consent of the opposing captain.

3. Captain
If at any time the captain is not available, a deputy shall act for him.
(a) If a captain is not available during the period in which the toss is to take place, then the deputy must be responsible for the nomination of the players, if this has not already been done, and for the toss. See 2 above and Law 12.4 (The toss).
(b) At any time after the toss, the deputy must be one of the nominated players

4. Responsibility of captains
The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the spirit and traditions of the game as well as within the Laws. See The Preamble – The Spirit of Cricket and Law 42.1 (Fair and unfair play - responsibility of captains).

Wide ball

1. Judging a Wide
(a) If the bowler bowls a ball, not being a No ball, the umpire shall adjudge it a Wide if according to the definition in (b) below, in his opinion, the ball passes wide of the striker where he is standing and would also have passed wide of him standing in a normal guard position.
(b) The ball will be considered as passing wide of the striker unless it is sufficiently within his reach for him to be able to hit it with his bat by means of a normal cricket stroke.

2. Delivery not a Wide
The umpire shall not adjudge a delivery as being a Wide
(a) if the striker, by moving,
either (i) causes the ball to pass wide of him, as defined in 1(b) above
or (ii) brings the ball sufficiently within his reach to be able to hit it with his bat by means of a normal cricket stroke.
(b) if the ball touches the striker's bat or person.

3. Call and signal of Wide ball
(a) If the umpire adjudges a delivery to be a Wide he shall call and signal Wide ball as soon as the ball passes the striker's wicket. It shall, however, be considered to have been a Wide from the instant of delivery, even though it cannot be called Wide until it passes the striker's wicket.
(b) The umpire shall revoke the call of Wide ball if there is then any contact between the ball and the striker's bat or person.
(c) The umpire shall revoke the call of Wide ball if a delivery is called a No ball. See Law 24.10 (No ball to over-ride Wide).

4. Ball not dead
The ball does not become dead on the call of Wide ball.

5. Penalty for a Wide
A penalty of one run shall be awarded instantly on the call of Wide ball. Unless the call is revoked (see 3 above), this penalty shall stand even if a batsman is dismissed, and shall be in addition to any other runs scored, any boundary allowance and any other penalties awarded.

6. Runs resulting from a Wide – how scored
All runs completed by the batsmen or a boundary allowance, together with the penalty for the Wide, shall be scored as Wide balls. Apart from any award of a 5 run penalty, all runs resulting from a Wide ball shall be debited against the bowler.

7. Wide not to count
A Wide shall not count as one of the over. See Law 22.4 (Balls not to count in the over).

8. Out from a Wide
When Wide ball has been called, neither batsman shall be out under any of the Laws except Law 33 (Handled the ball), Law 35 (Hit wicket), Law 37 (Obstructing the field), Law 38 (Run out) or Law 39 (Stumped).

Bye and leg bye

1. Byes
If the ball, not being a No ball or a Wide, passes the striker without touching his bat or person, any runs completed by the batsmen or a boundary allowance shall be credited as Byes to the batting side.

2. Leg byes
(a) If the ball, not having previously touched the striker's bat, strikes his person and the umpire is satisfied that the striker has
either (i) attempted to play the ball with his bat,
or (ii) tried to avoid being hit by the ball,
then any runs completed by the batsmen or a boundary allowance shall be credited to the batting side as Leg byes, unless No ball has been called.
(b) If No ball has been called, the runs in (a) above, together with the penalty for the No ball, shall be scored as No ball extras.

3. Leg byes not to be awarded
If in the circumstances of 2(a) above, the umpire considers that neither of the conditions (i) and (ii) has been met, then Leg byes will not be awarded. The batting side shall not be credited with any runs from that delivery apart from the one run penalty for a No ball if applicable. Moreover, no other penalties shall be awarded to the batting side when the ball is dead. See Law 42.17 (Penalty runs). The following procedure shall be adopted.
(a) If no run is attempted but the ball reaches the boundary, the umpire shall call and signal Dead ball, and disallow the boundary.
(b) If runs are attempted and if
(i) neither batsman is dismissed and the ball does not become dead for any other reason, the umpire shall call and signal Dead ball as soon as one run is completed or the ball reaches the boundary. The batsmen shall return to their original ends. The run or boundary shall be disallowed.
(ii) before one run is completed or the ball reaches the boundary, a batsman is dismissed, or the ball becomes dead for any reason, all the provisions of the Laws will apply, except that no runs and no penalties shall be credited to the batting side, other than the penalty for a No ball if applicable

Dead ball

1. Ball is dead
(a) The ball becomes dead when
(i) it is finally settled in the hands of the wicket-keeper or the bowler.
(ii) a boundary is scored. See Law 19.3 (Scoring a boundary).
(iii) a batsman is dismissed.
(iv) whether played or not it becomes trapped between the bat and person of a batsman or between items of his clothing or equipment.
(v) whether played or not it lodges in the clothing or equipment of a batsman or the clothing of an umpire.
(vi) it lodges in a protective helmet worn by a member of the fielding side.
(vii) there is a contravention of either of Laws 41.2 (Fielding the ball) or 41.3 (Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side).
(viii) there is an award of penalty runs under Law 2.6 (Player returning without permission).
(ix) Lost ball is called. See Law 20 (Lost ball).
(x) the umpire calls Over or Time.
(b) The ball shall be considered to be dead when it is clear to the umpire at the bowler's end that the fielding side and both batsmen at the wicket have ceased to regard it as in play.

2. Ball finally settled
Whether the ball is finally settled or not is a matter for the umpire alone to decide.

3. Umpire calling and signalling Dead ball
(a) When the ball has become dead under 1 above, the bowler's end umpire may call Dead ball, if it is necessary to inform the players.
(b) Either umpire shall call and signal Dead ball when
(i) he intervenes in a case of unfair play.
(ii) a serious injury to a player or umpire occurs.
(iii) he leaves his normal position for consultation.
(iv) one or both bails fall from the striker's wicket before he has the opportunity of playing the ball.
(v) he is satisfied that for an adequate reason the striker is not ready for the delivery of the ball and, if the ball is delivered, makes no attempt to play it.
(vi) the striker is distracted by any noise or movement or in any other way while he is preparing to receive or receiving a delivery. This shall apply whether the source of the distraction is within the game or outside it. Note, however, the provisions of Law 42.4 (Deliberate attempt to distract the striker).
The ball shall not count as one of the over.
(vii) the bowler drops the ball accidentally before delivery.
(viii) the ball does not leave the bowler's hand for any reason other than an attempt to run out the non-striker before entering his delivery stride. See Law 42.15 (Bowler attempting to run out non-striker before delivery).
(ix) he is required to do so under any of the Laws.

4. Ball ceases to be dead
The ball ceases to be dead – that is, it comes into play – when the bowler starts his run up or, if he has no run up, his bowling action.

5. Action on call of Dead ball
(a) A ball is not to count as one of the over if it becomes dead or is to be considered dead before the striker has had an opportunity to play it.
(b) If the ball becomes dead or is to be considered dead after the striker has had an opportunity to play the ball, except in the circumstances of 3(vi) above and Law 42.4 (Deliberate attempt to distract striker), no additional delivery shall be allowed unless No ball or Wide has been called.